This movie is gorgeous, with breathtaking cinematography, sets, and costumes. The story begins slowly, but picks up steam to end in a spectacular finale. It's operatic in tone and subject matter. Great acting. Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li are especially good. The music is nothing special. The fight scenes are competently staged and inventive.

I would not put this film on the same level as Hero or Crouching Tiger, but I enjoyed the watch. I don't feel the need to watch it again, though.